Grief Support

The grieving process normally begins soon after a person is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. Grieving is different for the patient and their loved ones. Patients grieve when changes are taking place within the body, when they lose the ability to do things they were normally able to do, and for the shortened time they have with those they love. Loved ones grieve not only for what they see happening to the patient, but also for the emptiness they are already beginning to feel. Grief is a natural human response to change or loss and it can be painful. The pain of grief is unique to each person as it moves through the body, mind, and soul.

The goal of grief counseling is to create a safe and healing environment for those who are adjusting to a significant loss in their lives. Our services are available to those who have survived the loss of a loved one, with the goal of enabling people to discover or rediscover, inner resources which allow them to incorporate their loss into a meaningful future.

We at Lake Superior Hospice believe that every person deserves the opportunity and right to grieve in a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment.

Grieving individuals are offered a place where they can interact with others who have experienced similar losses, learn coping skills, and begin a healing process.

Individual (one on one), and grief support groups are available for both children and adults. People not interested in meeting in a group setting may make an
appointment to talk with the bereavement counselor individually.

Call for more information regarding children’s grief groups.

Families interested in grief support can call our office for more information at 906-225-7760 and speak to Bereavement Coordinator – Paula Bur.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact Paula at Lake Superior Hospice: (906) 225-7760 or email pbur@lakesuperiorhospice.org

Myths and Facts about Grief

MYTH: The pain will go away faster if you ignore it.
Fact: Trying to ignore your pain or keep it from surfacing will only make it worse
in the long run. For real healing it is necessary to face your grief and actively deal
with it.
MYTH: It’s important to be “be strong” in the face of loss.
Fact: Feeling sad, frightened, or lonely is a normal reaction to loss. Crying
doesn’t mean you are weak. You don’t need to “protect” your family or friends by
putting on a brave front. Showing your true feelings can help them and you.
MYTH: If you don’t cry, it means you aren’t sorry about the loss.
Fact: Crying is a normal response to sadness, but it’s not the only one. Those
who don’t cry may feel the pain just as deeply as others. They may simply have
other ways of showing it.
MYTH: Grief should last about a year.
Fact: There is no right or wrong time frame for grieving. How long it takes can
differ from person to person.

Stepping Stones:

Stepping stones provides youth who are grieving the death of a loved one professional support as they learn to identify and better understand their emotions. This program gives them an opportunity to learn healthy coping skills and know that they are not alone in their grief.

Assist youth in identification and application of healthy coping skills
We welcome youth of all ages in our community who have experienced the death of a loved one
Facilitated by our trained and professional grief support staff through creative and evidenced-based practices
One-on-one therapeutic support offered
Opportunities for age appropriate group support
FREE of charge

Open Grief Support Group:

Marquette: 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 5:30-7:00pm at Lake Superior Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette. Facilitator is Paula Bur, Lake Superior Hospice Grief Counselor. For more information contact her at (906) 225-7760 or email pbur@lakesuperiorhospice.org

Bereavement Luncheon:

Marquette: Bereavement Luncheon is held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at noon at Lake Superior Hospice 914 W Baraga Ave, Marquette. This luncheon is set up pot luck style. Please feel free to bring a dish to pass, however, LSH will provide the main dish. Grief Counselor, Paula Bur, facilitates a brief program.

Memorial Service:

Marquette: A Memorial Candlelight Service honoring and celebrating the lives of our loved ones is held each year in the Chapel at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans, 425 Fisher St. Guests are invited to light a candle in the memory of their loved one. The service is an ecumenical time of sharing, music, and prayer followed by a reception.

Please contact Lake Superior Hospice for date and time details, to reserve a candle for your loved one and have their name listed in the program. (906) 225-7760 or email administration@lakesuperiorhospice.org

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